Miss Japan

Eri Machimoto

Age: 20

Hair Color: Black

Eye Color: Brown

Height: 5'9"

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
Even though I have never met him, the person who has influenced me the most is Kazutoshi Sakurai, the lead singer of “Mr. Children,” a group that is often dubbed the “Japanese Beatles.” His lyrics have helped me be mentally strong. As well, when I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed with life, listening to his songs helps me relax and gives me the inner strength to persevere. Also I admire the fact that in 1995, he made a song with Keisuke Kuwata for the campaign against AIDS.

What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you (aside from winning your title) and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
I went from being a small town girl from Hiroshima who didn’t know anyone in the big city. From knowing no one, to being known! My life has taken a direction I wouldn’t have imagined years ago.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
I am pursuing a degree in economics, now in my third year. My parents have a small company that imports fabrics, mostly from China. Studying economics has been interesting, especially trade theory, as I thought that I could put some of those theories I’ve studied into practice when helping out my parents with the family business. Economics is a good degree to have for whatever courses my life takes in the future.

Are you currently a student? If yes, where? What is your area of study?
I am currently third year student at Nihon University in Tokyo, I am pursuing a degree in economics, now in my third year. My parents have a small company that imports fabrics, mostly from China. Studying economics has been interesting, especially trade theory.

Describe your childhood home and living conditions. Were you raised with a large family with lots of brothers and sisters?
Japan has the reputation for “rabbit hutches” for housing. But, fortunately, this wasn’t the case for me growing up. I was lucky to have grown up in a spacious countryside home with three generations: my grandfather, my parents, who ran a small import business, my two brothers, me . . . and our poodle, Piko. I feel so lucky to have grown up in a traditional family, as it is the foundation for the person that I have become now.

What one word describes you best?
The word that describes me best is hopeful. I am hopeful about my future.